Our Intercessor
Christ's intercession is a simple yet profound matter that affects our daily lives and leads to the growth of his body here on earth.
David Wilkerson explores the profound concept of Jesus as our intercessor, emphasizing that His role is not merely to plead for mercy on our behalf but to actively support and strengthen us in our daily lives. He reflects on the depth of intercession, suggesting that it transcends a simplistic view of Christ begging the Father for our needs, as God already knows and provides for us. Wilkerson encourages believers to understand that Christ's intercession is about the growth and empowerment of His body on earth, highlighting the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father. He acknowledges the mystery of this divine intercession while affirming its significance in our spiritual journey.
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"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
What does Scripture mean when it says Jesus makes intercession for us? I believe this subject is so deep, majestic and beyond human understanding, I tremble even to address it. Bible scholars hold various views on its meaning.
Through prayer and trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance, I'm beginning to grasp just a little of this incredible subject. Recently, I've prayed very simply, "Lord, how does your intercession in heaven affect my life? Your Word says you appear before the Father on my behalf. What does this mean in my daily walk with you?"
The English word intercession means "to plead on another's behalf." This speaks of a figure who takes your place before others to plead your cause. When you hear such a definition, do you picture Christ continually pleading to God for you, asking for mercy, forgiveness, grace and blessings? In my opinion, this image makes our heavenly Father appear tight-fisted. I simply refuse to believe that grace has to be pried out of our loving God. If we limit ourselves to such a narrow definition of intercession, we'll never understand the deeper spiritual meaning of what Christ does for us.
The Bible declares that my heavenly Father knows my needs before I can ask him. And often, he supplies those needs even before I pray. Therefore, I find it difficult to accept that God's own Son has to plead with him for anything. Besides, Scripture says the Father has already entrusted his Son with all things: "In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9).
I don't claim to know everything about Christ's intercession for us. But I do believe that whatever our high priest is doing in his intercession for us, it is a very simple matter. And I believe that intercession has to do directly with the growth of his body here on earth. He is at work supplying every joint and part with might and strength.
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to Christ's Intercession
- A. Definition of Intercession
- B. Limitations of Human Understanding
- II. Christ's Intercession in Heaven
- A. Christ's Relationship with the Father
- B. Christ's Role as High Priest
- III. The Purpose of Christ's Intercession
- A. Growth of the Body of Christ
- B. Supplying Strength and Might
Key Quotes
“I believe this subject is so deep, majestic and beyond human understanding, I tremble even to address it.” — David Wilkerson
“The English word intercession means 'to plead on another's behalf.'” — David Wilkerson
“I don't claim to know everything about Christ's intercession for us. But I do believe that whatever our high priest is doing in his intercession for us, it is a very simple matter.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance as we seek to understand the deeper spiritual meaning of Christ's intercession.
- We should recognize that Christ's intercession is not about pleading with God for things, but rather about supplying us with the strength and might we need to live a life pleasing to God.
- We should focus on the growth of Christ's body here on earth, rather than limiting ourselves to a narrow definition of intercession.